With this in mind it is not surprising that so much effort has been put in to establishing the Southern Highlands Botanic Garden at East Bowral. It is a project that has been in the making for well over a decade and while the garden itself is still in its infancy the vision of those behind the project is well and truly taking shape on the 33-acre site. It is intended to ultimately offer a mix of exotic and native plants including a shale woodland, the endangered ecological community endemic to the site.

Construction of a storage shed, amenities block and store room, a shade house, a paved area known as Pioneer Square which offers a touch of the shire's history, development of an education program and various plantings including a birch grove have already occurred on the site.

The continued development of the gardens is largely reliant on ongoing fundraising activities with the Southern Highlands Autumn Gardens weekend providing the main annual boost to coffers. Last year alone the event raised about $70,000 for ongoing projects at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.

Now in its fifth year the open garden weekend is on again this weekend with several properties open to the public.

And whether you are an avid or amateur gardener, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the Highlands, the autumn open gardens is an event not to be missed.

It is an opportunity to truly appreciate the stunning autumn showcase of the Highlands while supporting a project that will ensure the beauty of the region is maintained, in the form of a botanic garden, for all to enjoy well into the future.